Once-celebrated football coach Jim Leavitt is now at the center of a criminal investigation following serious allegations in St. Petersburg, Florida.

According to The Daily Caller, the former University of South Florida head coach was arrested Monday and charged with multiple offenses following a reported altercation with his ex-girlfriend during which theft and battery occurred.

Jim Leavitt, 68, was taken into custody on the night of August 25, 2025, at an apartment complex in St. Petersburg. According to police affidavits cited by ESPN and South Florida radio host Andy Slater, Leavitt allegedly became physically aggressive after an encounter with his former partner. The report states that the confrontation escalated when the woman attempted to leave, prompting Leavitt to grab her by the arm, an action that led to a domestic battery charge.

Authorities also say Leavitt took several luxury items from his ex-girlfriend during or shortly after the confrontation, including a Louis Vuitton purse, clutch, and wallet. The designer goods were reportedly withheld by Leavitt and are valued at more than $5,000. Because of that, he now faces a felony grand theft charge.

In addition to the alleged incident involving his ex-girlfriend, Leavitt is also accused of physically confronting another man present at the conflict. That man was reportedly pushed in the chest, adding a misdemeanor simple battery charge to the list of offenses leveled against the former coach.

Police Say Property Was Withheld and Violence Occurred

As of Friday, court and jail records show no attorney listed to represent Leavitt in the ongoing legal proceedings. Information from the arrest affidavit suggests that the incident took place during a dispute in or near the victim’s apartment complex, though official details surrounding what prompted the confrontation remain limited.

This case has emerged just weeks before Leavitt was scheduled to be honored by the university he helped put on the map. In June 2025, the USF Department of Athletics announced plans to induct Leavitt into its Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony planned for October 2. The arrest has raised questions about whether those plans will proceed.

“We are aware of the incident and [are] in the process of collecting information,” USF Athletics said in a statement issued via ESPN. The university did not immediately say whether the charges would influence his Hall of Fame status or participation in the ceremony.

University of South Florida Examines Legacy

Leavitt was a pivotal figure at USF, launching its football program in 1997 when the team entered Division I-AA-level competition. Over the course of his 13-season tenure, he compiled a record of 95 wins and 57 losses. That run made him the most successful coach in USF football history.

Under his leadership, USF reached new heights, notably climbing to No. 2 in national college football rankings in the 2007 season. His influence on the program laid the groundwork for its continued relevance and future competitiveness in collegiate football.

However, his tenure ended under scrutiny. In 2010, the university terminated Leavitt’s employment after completing an internal investigation, which concluded he struck a student-athlete during halftime of a 2009 game. That episode cast a lasting shadow over his coaching career, although his contributions to building the program had kept his name in the university spotlight.

Recent Arrest Brings Legal and Reputation Challenges

Leavitt’s arrest this week brings renewed attention to his personal conduct, eclipsing discussions around his coaching legacy with concerns over criminal behavior. His age and role in university lore make the incident particularly significant in the Tampa Bay community, where he has long enjoyed local renown.

According to Andy Slater, who first reported the story on August 26, Leavitt was arrested at an apartment complex near Tampa. Slater also confirmed the accusations regarding the theft and physical aggression toward both his ex-girlfriend and another individual at the scene.

The value of the allegedly stolen designer items raises the theft charge from a simple misdemeanor to a felony offense, increasing the legal stakes significantly for Leavitt. He now must address the consequences of both interpersonal violence and unlawful possession of high-value property.

Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy

There are several important lessons all readers can take from this unfortunate incident, particularly around personal safety and the importance of accountability:

1. Take signs of abusive behavior seriously: If someone becomes physical, even during a heated conversation, it's a red flag. Emotional or physical aggression can escalate quickly and should not be taken lightly.

2. Valuable property can be a target in disputes: High-end designer items, like a Louis Vuitton purse, may become focal points in conflicts. Always be mindful of securing your belongings, especially during personal disputes or separations.

3. Although precautions help, crime can happen to anyone: Victims are never to blame for the crimes committed against them. No one can control another person’s actions entirely, and it’s important to support those who come forward after experiencing harm.

Why This Story Matters

This case is significant not only due to Leavitt’s public status but because it highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing domestic violence and ensuring public figures are held accountable. It serves as a reminder that fame or past achievements do not exempt individuals from the rule of law.

The University of South Florida’s response will be closely watched as institutions grapple with how to honor legacy while acknowledging harmful behavior. This incident forces the community to reevaluate the grounds on which recognition is given.

In communities where figures like Leavitt carry legendary status, consequences for personal misconduct send a strong message about the values a society chooses to uphold.

To summarize, former USF coach Jim Leavitt was arrested in St. Petersburg on August 25, 2025, following an alleged altercation that resulted in charges of felony grand theft, misdemeanor domestic battery, and simple battery. The charges stem from accusations that he physically assaulted his ex-girlfriend, stole luxury items valued over $5,000, and pushed another individual during the event. With the university’s Hall of Fame ceremony only weeks away, USF has stated it is gathering information, though it remains unclear if the arrest will impact Leavitt's scheduled induction.